Parabolic Solar Concentrator
About Solartron Solartron Energy Systems Inc. (Solartron) is the designer and manufacturer behind the revolutionary SolarBeamTM parabolic dish. The designers and engineers behind the SolarBeamTM foresaw the need to engineer an affordable system capable of producing high thermal energy. Solartron is not new to the energy sector. The executive team at Solartron has over 18 years’ experience in manufacturing innovative energy conservation products for commercial and industrial applications. With their extensive experience in engineering state-of-the-art products, the SolarBeamTM is designed as an industrial yet elegant system. The SolarBeamTM is manufactured in Michigan, USA for distribution in North America and Australia while Solartron Spain distributes throughout Europe and Middle East.
History of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) The concept of harnessing the sun’s energy dates back as far as 1774 when Antoine Lavoisier created a large device that had a glass lens that focused the sunlight into a focal point over material for combustion. Later in 1878 a parabolic collector was showcased and reflected the sun’s energy onto a steam boiler which operated a small engine that ran a printing press. Recently, the development of sophisticated CSP increased but mainly for large scale utility production with the use of parabolic troughs and parabolic sterling engine systems. Solartron saw a need to target smaller scale applications that can benefit directly from free solar energy.
Certifications
Technology
SolarBeamTM is the first parabolic dish in the world to be tested to the following standards:
The SolarBeamTM Concentrator achieves peak 11.5 kW (39,239 BTU/hour) of thermal heat per hour by tracking the sun with flawless precision and collecting the sun’s radiation from a 15.8 m2 (160 sq.ft) surface area and focusing the energy on a 25x25cm (10x10”) absorber.
• USA: SRCC 600 • Europe: EN – 12975-2 Standard (KeyMark) • Canada: CSA
Instead of using traditional sun light sensors or inclinometers to determine the sun’s position, the SolarBeamTM uses a sophisticated patent-pending celestial tracking system. The result: dish does not hunt for the sun, consistent sun-lock throughout the year, and seamless movement. The SolarBeamTM Concentrator was designed as a low maintenance system capable of providing temperatures up to 93° Celsius (199.4° Fahrenheit) for the following applications:
• Process heating • Space heating • Cooling with adsorption / absorption chillers
Design The design of the SolarBeamTM blends art with form and functionality. With many engineers and architects designing buildings of the future, the SolarBeamTM seamlessly integrates with their vision. The SolarBeamTM makes more than a statement - it is a land mark. Meticulous attention to detail starts from the mechanical design stage. Stress point simulation is performed to ensure maximum strength and durability in different weather conditions.
The reflective petal is made of a special “glass-infused” anodized aluminum specifically engineered for maximum solar reflectance and superior corrosion resistance. The material is extremely durable and unlike glass, it will not break. The reflective efficiency of the petal is 86% - harnessing every ray of the sun’s solar radiation. Our engineers designed the powertrain with stainless steel bearings and shafts for long lasting performance. The frame is a heavy duty steel construction coupled with an industrial grade slew drive. The skirting and truss is made of high grade aluminum. The Stone Grey semi-gloss paint used throughout the SolarBeamTM body conforms to C5L standard for industrial use within a high humidity and aggressive environment. The petal’s patent-pending curvature makes the SolarBeamTM the only system in the world to maximize the solar potential for thermal and concentrated photo-voltaic power. All electrical cable assemblies are IP66 rated for maximum protection from the elements. The polycarbonate control box is designed to meet IP 66 & NEMA 4, 4X, 12 & 13 ratings.
Performance & Reliability
Safety
SolarBeamTM maintains an average 10.5kW (35,827 BTU/hour) of thermal energy and a 64% efficiency at delta T of 50°C (122°F). This is all made possible thanks to the patent pending design of the dish petal and high efficiency absorber.
To ensure a reliable system, the SolarBeamTM was engineered with various safety features. Below are a few of the many features provided in the system:
The results speak for themselves. The SolarBeamTM outperforms glazed flat plate, evacuated tube, and concentrated thermal systems for efficiency and kW output. In addition to the instantaneous energy output performance, the SolarBeamTM is 30% more efficient than systems that do not track the sun. The SolarBeamTM has been tested in the harsh, cold Canadian winters to ensure high performance and durability. The SolarBeamTM was engineered to handle any weather condition including high and low ambient temperature, snow load and strong winds. The system is designed for 20 + years of low maintenance operation.
He at S tag n ation Heat stagnation is one of the biggest concerns for all solar hot water installers. If the heat is not removed, critical temperature strain on components will occur along with damage to the collector. In addition, glycol and its additives become unstable at high temperatures making the system susceptible to freezing and corrosion of components. SolarBeamTM has an Advanced Protection System (APS) which prevents heat stagnation from occurring. Multiple sensors monitor the fluid temperature and the SolarBeamTM will automatically move away from the sun if the temperature of the primary loop has been achieved. When additional heat is required, the SolarBeamTM automatically resumes tracking.
Wind Conditions
Installation
The SolarBeamTM tracks the sun in winds up to 65 km/hour (40 mph). For winds that have a consistency above 65 km/ hour (40 mph) the SolarBeamTM tilts to its “safety stow” position.
Complicated? No. When designing the system for field installations, our engineers were motivated to keep it simple. And simple - they did. The whole SolarBeamTM assembly is designed to be assembled in a fast and easy manner. One system can be assembled in one day.
In an event of a power outage, a UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) moves the dish to the “safety stow” position. When the power resumes, a 1 hour lock-out ensures that the UPS is charged before it resumes auto tracking.
The dish is pre-assembled on the ground and the 3 major components are put in place in 3 easy steps:
Step 1: Pole Step 2: Powertrain Step 3: Dish An insulated dual PEX tubing, is used as the medium to transfer the fluid from the SolarBeamTM to the facility. In addition, 24VDC communication and power cables are fed from the building through the post to the SolarBeamTM control box. Ground or roof mount – it’s your choice. For ground applications a pre-fabricated concrete pier, pre-fitted with all necessary conduits, is available for a faster installation. Many urban areas may not have the ground real estate but have plenty of unused roof space. The SolarBeamTM is engineered to be roof mounted with our available roof mount kit.
P ow er Ou tag e
P r e ss u r e L o ss If the pressure in the primary loop drops below 7 PSI, the SolarBeamTM automatically moves the dish to “safety stow” position.
Remote Monitoring & Setup Though generating maximum solar power is thrilling in itself, the SolarBeamTM is packed with other features. The SolarbeamTM Dashboard is the world’s first dashboard that not only provides energy production reporting but also system diagnostic, and setup via the website: www.solarbeamdashboard.com. Each SolarBeamTM around the world is connected to an Ethernet or GSM/GPRS communication line. A central server communicates with the SolarBeamTM and logs the performance and status of the SolarBeamTM. The SolarBeamTM can be remotely configured and allows for immediate set point changes. In the event of an alarm or alert, the unit sends out an email to designated personnel. All alerts can be customized according to the notification the user wants to receive. In order to provide periodic updates, the control units can receive automatic firmware updates to keep all systems up to date.
“Efficiency” Defined as the ratio of collected energy to the available energy falling on the entire collector area.
Ta bl e of Efficiency a nd Temper at ure Differen ti a l Delta T
SolarBeamTM
Glazed Flat Plate
Evacuated Tube
0°C / 0°F
0.73
0.72
0.50
10°C / 18°F
0.72
0.67
0.49
30°C / 54°F
0.69
0.56
0.47
50°C / 90°F
0.64
0.46
0.45
60°C / 108°F
0.61
0.41
0.44
The comparison was based on data for the SolarBeam Concentrator and SRCC reports for manufacturers of glazed flat panel and evacuated tube systems. The following equation was used for the thermal performance of the SolarBeam collector as per SRCC data: Q / A = F’(τα)en Kθb(θ) Gb + F’(τα)en Kθd Gd -c6 u G* - c1 (tm-ta) - c2 (tm-ta)2 – c5 dtm/dt Efficiencies for non-concentrating collectors were calculated using the formula below: Efficiency = F Collector Efficiency – (Slope*Delta T)/G Solar Radiation
SolarBeamTM Efficiency Comparison 0.80
0.40
0.20
0 0° C 0°F
10°C 18°F
3 0 °C 5 4 °F
5 0 °C 9 0 °F
60°C 108°F
Delta Temperature
Surface Area Required (m2) 40
30 Area (m2)
Efficiency
0.60
20
10
1 5 .9
29
37
M2
M2
313
397
FT 2
FT 2
M2
171
Contact Us
FT 2
0
SolarBeamTM
Evacuated Tube
Glazed Flat Plate
The information is based on 50° Celsius delta temperature and an average 6.8 kWh/m2 direct beam radiation for Phoenix, Arizona, USA. The corresponding surface area of glazed flat panels and evacuated tubes were calculated to match the kWh thermal production of one SolarBeam.
Solartron Energy Systems Inc. Toll Free: 1-800-615-5898
SPECIFICATIONS Hot Water Production @ 1000 W/m2 Radiation
Power Consumption
Peak kW
11.5 kW
Input Voltage
24 VDC
Peak BTUs
36,534 BTUs/hr
Vertical Axis Motor
24W, 2A
Average kW
10.5 kW
Horizontal Axis Motor
12W, 0.5A
SRCC Efficiency
73%
Power Back Up
UPS Battery
Dimension and Area
Enclosure Ratings
Reflector Diameter
4.5 m (14.7 ft)
Cable Assembly
IP66
Gross Area of Collector
15.9 m2 (171 ft2)
Controller Interface
IP66 and NEMA 4
Absorber Size
25.4cm X 25.4cm (10” X 10”)
Paint
Gross Area of Absorber
0.0645 m2 (99.72 in2)
Color
Stone Grey
Focal Point Distance
2.2 m (86.63”)
Environment
ISO 12944-C5I
2.4 m (8 ft)
Protection Features
Mounting Post
Power Outage
Safety stow
86%
Over Temperature Protection
Safety stow
Tracking
Dual Axis
Wind Speed Protection
Safety stow
Volume of Fluid in Absorber
550 mL
Horizontal Monitor Axis
Home Position
Max Operating Pressure
25 PSI (1.72 Bar)
Vertical Monitor Axis
Home Position
93° C (199° F)
Pressure Loss
Safety stow
Flow Rate
15 -18.9 (Liters/Min) / 4 -5 Gal/min
SolarBeam Controller
Collector Weight
240 kg (529 lbs)
Voltage
120 /220 V
463 kg (1,020 lbs)
Current
5A
Passed to Frost Level 2
- 25° C ( - 13° F)
Analog Inputs
4x / 0-10VDC
Maximum Absorber Temperature
145 C (293 F)
Pulse Inputs
6x
Output Voltage
24 VDC
Frequency
50/60 Hz
SolarBeam Parameters Optical Efficiency
Stagnation Temp 1000W/m at 30° C 2
Total Weight
Maximum Fluid Temperature of Primary Loop
93° C (199° F)
Maximum Fluid Temperature of Secondary Loop
93° C (199° F)
Communication
Ethernet
Automatic Solar Concentrator Shut-down to Survival Position (90 Degree Vertical Axis)
Dimension
AC Power Interruption Protection
51 cm x 40.64 cm x 17.78 cm (20”X16”X7”)
Enclosure Rating
NEMA 1
Heat Transfer Fluid
Propylene Glycol/Water Solution (50%/50% to -30° C)
Electrical Rating
QPS (UL/CSA Equivalent)
Tested to Certification Standards USA Standard
SRCC 600
Europe Standard
EN 12975-2 (KeyMark)
Canada Standard
CSA Solartron Energy Systems Inc. 26 Industrial Park Drive Amherst, NS B4H 4R5 Canada Tel: +1-902-661-2007 Toll-Free: 1-800-615-5898 Solartron Energy Systems S.L Calle Bajo Sombra - Parcela 40 Poligono Industrial Bajo Sombra 03688 - Hondon de las Nieves Alicante, Spain Tel: +34 630 662 546 E-mail:
[email protected] Web: www.solartronenergy.com